by Sean Fenlon

Of the eight shows I have seen on this tour, this was definitely the most gratifying on every level. The other shows were obviously excellent, and I'd say Florida-3/24 and Montreal-5/27 achieved greatness.

But the show on 6/19 at Madison Square Garden in New York City but every crucial element together: the instrument playing by all four bande members (five including Daniel Lanois), Bono's singing (he truly was Bono Vax on this night - and powerful!), the set list, and, thankfully, the crowd was amazing. I'll tell you, I've been to shows on this tour and all the others, and most times the audience don't realize how important they are to the overall impact of the concert. If the band rocks in every way, but the crowd is basically weak and unresponsive, the show won't be great. And, if there ever was a band that feeds and gets energy from the fans, it's U2. So, rather than feeling slightly embarrassed as I have at other recent show, my hometown crowd certainly did the job last night. Sunday nights crowd was good, too, but last night was off the charts. The "Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh" chant from "Pride" between sets definitely made its way back to the band.

Last note: It's seems at least possible that there still might be a trick or too left up the band's sleeves, so the anticipation level for the Meadowlands goes up a notch since U2 did leave it all behind on the stage in Manhattan.

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